Dia Mirza returned to films after three years with Sanju (2018), which had her playing Maanayata Dutt. And, now the actress is all set to make her digital debut with Kaafir, which will see her essaying another real-life character that is currently kept under wraps. The former beauty queen has started shooting for it in Himachal Pradesh from where she has been posting pictures. She talks about her web series, how the digital platform is offering exciting roles to women and the problem of ageism in the film industry.

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You have been posting pictures of your look from the upcoming web series Kaafir, but there is a lot of secrecy around it...

(Laughs) That’s because we want to unveil the story closer to the launch. Right now, all I can say is that it is a hard-hitting, compelling humane narrative. I feel enriched as an artiste and a human being to have the opportunity to play this part. It’s special as it’s based on a real person. I have watched some stuff that is available on her, but what is more important is to understand the full context of her experience and spend time understanding that.

Do you find it more challenging to play a role based on a real person?  

I think the ability to empathise with another person’s experience and go into the trajectory of their journey is challenging. When I posted my character image from Kaafir, I wrote, ‘Your truth is now my truth.’ That is my endeavour, that’s the best I can do and hope for.

Will this be your first outing on the digital platform?

This is the second show that I signed, the first one is Moghul, which is based on the Mughal empire. It is a massive show directed by Nikkhil Advani; I have a powerful and beautiful part in it. As for Kaafir, Sid (Siddharth P Malhotra, producer) gave me one line of the subject. By the time he finished it, I said yes. It was that compelling. The reason to do these two series is they answer every question that I asked myself and the industry.

It is important for the film industry to rise above ageism. Roles for women need to be better written. It is exciting to see this happening on OTT platforms. Within a span of six months, I was offered two brilliant narratives, which is a sign of good times. I am most excited as an actor, producer, and as a woman to be a part of it. I hope this continues to grow and more parts for women are written.

Kaafir is directed by a woman, Sonam Nair. Does that make a difference in the treatment of the series?

Before I talk about that, I have to tell you that I have done 47 films and this is only the second time I am collaborating with a female director! It reveals how much of a gender gap exists in our industry. I don’t mean to be unfair to men — they come with their own strengths. But there is something so extraordinary, sensitive and meaningful working with these women — (Sonam and Bhavani Iyer, writer). They have a greater and deeper ability to create empathy. Just see the work Zoya (Akhtar) is doing, the way Reema (Kagti) writes, or Alankrita (Shrivastava) works. Meghna Gulzar and Bhavani were such a powerful combination for Raazi. It is good to see them holding their truth; exploring ideas that compel them at a personal level, and not trying to follow some stereotypical idea of what storytelling has to be about.

Do you find any difference between shooting for a film and web series?

For a web series, there is more time to build on the character and discover the story. I will say it is delicious (laughs). That’s because you get a chance to sink your teeth into in, relish it and unravel the layers. Films are an incredible format, but you don’t get that much time. It’s like reading a novella and novel. A novel gives you so much more!

After Sanju, have you signed any films?

No film has come my way that has excited me. For any female actor, the age between 35 to 45 is treacherous. Filmmakers tell me, I am at that awkward age. No parts are written for women in this age bracket, while men at that age flourish and have great careers. They can play 30 till they are 50, but women are not allowed to do that. Interestingly, in the West, women in that age group are at the highest point of their careers. They get the best parts. That’s also because we do not write enough for mature people.